May 92 min read

CARL JOSEPH MENDES arrested after hundreds of dead animals were found on a Laton property

Updated: Oct 20

- California, USA -

The Fresno County Sheriff's Office announced the arrest of 41-year-old CARL JOSEPH MENDES (pictured).

In a press release, the sheriff’s office said that on Friday, May 3, 2024, someone passing by the area of W. Mt. Whitney and Chestnut Avenues in Laton, noticed dead animals at a family farm and alerted the sheriff’s office.

Deputies responded to the scene and made contact with MENDES.

Deputies found the property in complete disarray, with about 300 animals ranging from chickens, dogs, ducks, goats, pigs, turkeys, and more — hundreds of them deceased, and the others malnourished and mistreated.

As deputies were walking around the property, they noticed they were stepping on the bones of dead animals.

Deputies learned that four teenagers were living with MENDES, so Child Protective Services were notified.

MENDES was arrested and booked into the Fresno County jail on a misdemeanor charge of child neglect. The sheriff’s Office said he will likely face animal neglect charges soon.

As explained in the press release, members of Fresno Humane Animal Services responded to the scene to investigate and their findings “will dictate the necessary additional criminal charges Mendes faces.”

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Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from the press releases by the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office. Links included. Please note that details may be removed or new information added should updates become available.

In the case of charges being dropped, dismissed, or the case being purged, this article will be rectified accordingly, if official documentation is provided to Voice For Us.

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MENDES’ mugshot shared from the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office